“Luck is the ability to recognize opportunity,” says the co-founder of BGO Software, as he outlines his vision for the future of the country’s IT sector
The Spark
It all began 35 years ago when a curious kid saw two brand-new Pravetz computers in the corner of the computing center at a cast iron plant in Vratsa. His mother worked there, and he would visit her after school. Almost no one at the factory dared touch the machines, simply because they didn’t know what to do with them.
“At that time, computers were rare, very few people had access to them, and they were quite unexciting — they had only a few basic games and almost no capabilities. They were more of a hobby for a very niche group of people. It took a lot of effort and love to work with them. But there was also something magical. From my very first encounter with them, I knew I wanted to work with technology.”
First Steps — An Attic, Buckets, and a Dream
A few years later, that sense of magic became Ivaylo’s profession and life.
“My first office was in an attic — a small attic with brooms and buckets on the floor and a single computer in the middle of a desk. I was thirsty for knowledge and new skills, eager to create technology. Those years were truly foundational because during that time I saw how companies are built from nothing — from an attic to a company with 60–70 employees and international clients. Three times in my career, I’ve been part of building global companies in Bulgaria from scratch. This gave me the confidence that anything is possible if you are a true entrepreneur.”
Today, the company Ivaylo co-founded — BGO Software — is among the leaders in the digital health sector, working with clients in the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Germany.
Entrepreneurial Lessons — A Father’s Advice
Ivaylo is the son of one of the first entrepreneurs after the political changes in Bulgaria. The most valuable business advice he received from his father is:
“ To run a business, you have to be flexible and creative. The world changes fast, and you need to think several steps ahead. Take risks — but always protect yourself against failure. Entrepreneurship is a school that never closes. It’s a background process that runs even when you sleep.”
The Vision — Bulgaria as the Digital Health Hub of Europe
What began as a childhood fascination quickly grew into a career driven by innovation and determination. Today, that same passion powers BGO Software’s global impact in digital health from Bulgaria.
“At BGO, we are trying to pave the way — to inspire more people in the Bulgarian IT sector with the idea that the future lies in digital health because of its high added value for society. In the face of global competition and the rise of artificial intelligence, we need to find our niche. We believe digital health is the best opportunity.”
Listen to the Full Interview
Hear Ivaylo’s full story — how he relaxes, how he sees the role of artificial intelligence in the modern world, and what makes a business successful. Listen to the full interview with Nadezhda Vasileva on the BTV Radio website: https://btvradio.bg/intervuta/za-grada/ivajlo-ivanov-balgarija-e-seriozen-digitalen-centar-tuk-ima-dostatachno-talant-i-vazmozhnosti.html
BGO Software is a renowned IT company specializing in healthcare technology solutions. With over 15 years of industry experience, we offer comprehensive technology consulting, software development, and IT infrastructure services. Our focus on healthcare technology enables businesses to mitigate technological risks and accelerate growth, ultimately delivering enhanced value to patients.
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